Disc brake upgrade

I finally took the plunge and upgraded the stock V-brakes on my Trek mountain bike to Avid BB7 disc brakes. It really was straight forward and final adjustment of the calipers was a breeze. The only parts required for this project were 2 new disc-compatible wheels, front and rear brake kits, and a special rear disc adaptor for my 2002 Trek (2001-2005 Trek models require a special adaptor for the rear frame which the rear caliper then bolts directly to). I now have two 26" Matrix 750 wheels and nice set of Promax V-brakes available with only 300 miles on them if anyone is interested!

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW! WHAT A RIDE!"

This month Cycling plus magazine reviewed the Orbea Diem Drop Disc. It is a carbon framed roadie with disc brakes. I think we will soon see a time when all the manufacturers have at least one road model that has discs. For those of us who have had to try and cobble together the pieces (I remember searching for a carbon fork with disc tabs when they were few and far between) on our own; this will be great news.

Ouch. You point out a big hole in my bike mechanic experience. Of the 4 dozen or so buildups in the last few years I have yet to touch a disc brake set. Strange. Ouch.

But you've given me an idea... I'm rebuilding an old tandem and "brakes" are an issue, as is the potential replacement of the front fork (strangely sized french fork and headset). Maybe there is a disc brake solution waiting to be discovered there...